The murmurs still echoed in Li Han's ears as he left the training yard.
A single effortless throw had done more than bruise Chen Liang's pride—it had shaken the unspoken hierarchy of the outer sect.
Eyes followed him now. Some curious. Some calculating.It didn't matter. Let them watch.
He had bigger concerns.
[System Notification]Special Quest Triggered: Fortune's First Choice
Description:The path of cultivation requires both strength and resources. You must decide your focus.
Option 1:Train Relentlessly – Increase cultivation to Qi Condensation Stage 2 within seven days.Reward: +100 FP and Combat Technique: Flowing Cloud Steps.
Option 2:Build Influence – Earn 200 silver within seven days through any means.Reward: +100 FP and Item: Merchant's Token of Favor.
Li Han slowed his steps.
A pure combat route or an early foothold in wealth?In his previous life, he had ignored wealth entirely, focusing only on cultivation. But every bottleneck had left him scrambling for resources, relying on dangerous missions just to buy pills.
The Merchant's Token… that could open doors. The right merchant contact could mean steady access to rare pills, talismans, even intelligence on sect politics.
Yet… Flowing Cloud Steps was a rare movement technique—priceless in both duels and life-or-death situations.
Li Han's lips curved. Why not both? The quest only required him to choose one for the reward, but nothing stopped him from achieving both objectives.
Back at his quarters, he took stock of his assets:
Fortune Points: 40
Silver: 0 (aside from a single copper coin he'd found earlier)
Pill: None remaining
Manual: Beginner Qi Condensation (memorized)
For cultivation, he needed more Qi Nourishing Pills. For wealth… perhaps a quick trip outside the sect.
By midday, Li Han was walking down the mountain path toward Clearwater Town, a modest settlement that thrived on trade with Azure Cloud Sect. Disciples often came here to sell herbs, take odd jobs, or waste money in teahouses.
As he entered, the scent of frying dumplings and spiced wine hit him. Merchants called from stalls, waving colorful cloth, shimmering trinkets, and fragrant satchels of medicinal herbs.
He paused at one corner where a group of rough-looking youths argued over a heavy crate.
"You're blocking the street," Li Han said mildly.
One of them sneered. "Move along, kid. This isn't your—"
The crate tilted suddenly, and something inside clinked like glass. Li Han stepped forward, catching it before it crashed to the ground.
Inside were bottles of mid-grade healing salve—expensive, highly sought after in the sect.
The burly youth stared. "…You have quick hands."
"I have quicker deals," Li Han replied, already forming a plan.
[System Notification]Opportunity Detected – Side Quest Available
Side Quest:Sell or trade the crate's contents for maximum profit.Reward: +20 FP bonus if profit exceeds 50 silver.
Li Han's mind moved fast. Mid-grade salve could fetch a high price in the sect—especially from inner disciples who valued quick recovery between training sessions. If he played this right, he could double the crate's value before the day ended.
But a prickle of awareness crawled up his spine.
From the shadow of a nearby alley, a man in plain brown robes was watching him intently.Not a merchant. Not a townsman. His posture screamed cultivator—and his eyes, sharp as knives, locked onto the crate.
Li Han didn't look directly at him. Instead, he smiled faintly, turning back to the youths.
"I'll take this off your hands. You'll get your payment… tomorrow."
They hesitated, but the promise of sect silver—and his calm, confident tone—won them over.
Li Han left with the crate balanced easily in his hands, his mind already on the next move.
Back in his quarters that evening, he set the crate down. The man in brown robes hadn't followed.
Good.
But Li Han had the distinct feeling this deal was going to attract the wrong kind of attention… and he was ready for it.
[System Notification]Special Quest Updated – Path Selected: Build Influence
Progress: 0 / 200 silverTime Remaining: 6 days, 12 hours
Li Han's eyes glimmered in the candlelight."Six days is plenty."